Move Has Benefited York, Player

Johnson Sparks Falcons' Run Game

October 07, 1994|By JENNIFER L. WILLIAMS Daily Press

YORK — Five years ago, Joe Johnson's family made a decision that would drastically change his future.

It also did a lot for York football.

Johnson, a three-year starter at tailback for the Falcons, started his career a long way from Bailey Field. He grew up in Washington D.C. and began playing football at the Boys and Girls Clubs there when he was 8.

As Johnson got older, his family decided it would be safer and better for him to leave the D.C. area.

``My brother had moved here, and my mom thought this would be the best place for me,'' Johnson said.

He moved in with his brothers James Gamble III, now 29, and Daniel Gamble, 28. Johnson started attending school and playing football at Yorktown Intermediate.

Since entering high school, Johnson has been one of the main cogs in York's offensive machine. His brothers watch his games, and sometimes his parents come down to watch as well.

``With going to school and hanging around with his teammates, his being involved in athletics has had a positive influence on the way things have worked out for him,'' said York coach Bob Pearce.

It's also had a positive influence on Pearce's teams.

Johnson, who has played running back since he was a youth player, has been the team's leading rusher the past two seasons and is poised to go for three.

So far he's rushed for ``This team has taken their bumps and knocks the last two years, now they're reaping the rewards of hard work and determination,'' Pearce said.

Johnson said that this year's team is special in several ways.

``This team has better work habits than those in the past,'' Johnson said. ``We had the talent in the past, but didn't practice as well. We have good chemistry on this team and we get a lot done in practice.''

He added that the offense's best game was the season opener against Middlesex, while the defense's best performance was last Saturday's 31-7 victory over Smithfield, which was the team's first district game.

``Sometimes we look good in spurts, sometimes just normal,'' Johnson said.

Johnson, who also runs track, is hoping to go to college. He will take the Scholastic Assessment Test Saturday.

Overall, he characterizes himself this way: ``I'm an easygoing person unless someone really makes me mad. I think I get along with everyone.''